This bill amends the Adult Protective Services Act to enhance the protection of vulnerable adults by expanding mandatory reporting requirements for suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Previously, only certain professionals were required to report such cases, but the new legislation mandates that all individuals in the state must report if they have reasonable cause to believe a vulnerable adult is being harmed. Failure to report will result in criminal charges, specifically a fourth-degree crime, which carries penalties of up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000, along with a civil penalty of up to $500. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for individuals who willfully interfere with evaluations or the provision of protective services.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a publicly accessible registry maintained by the Department of Human Services that will document substantiated cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. This registry will include the names of individuals found guilty of such acts, along with descriptions of their offenses, while ensuring that no personal information about the vulnerable adults is disclosed. The legislation aims to improve accountability and transparency in the handling of cases involving vulnerable adults, thereby enhancing their protection and welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-407, 52:27D-409, 52:27D-410, 52:27D-411, 52:27D-421